Position Title:  Forest Stewardship Specialist

Office Location:  Klamath Falls, Oregon (this is not a remote opportunity)

Functional Area: Forestry & Conservation

Employment Status: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt, at-will.  SWCD operations are supported by grants & contracts.

Compensation:   $65,000 - $75,000.  The compensation is based on experience and typically starts at the lower end of the range.  Personal vehicle use may occasionally be required of this position; mileage reimbursement will be provided at the current GSA rate.

Benefits:  The District offers 11 paid holidays, accrual of 8 hours of vacation leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month, and $450.00 per month allocation for the employee to purchase health insurance.  The District also offers participation in the Oregon Savings Growth Plan, a voluntary 457(b) deferred compensation plan.

Position Summary: The Forest Stewardship Specialist will be employed by the Klamath Soil & Water Conservation District but will work most closely with and report to the USDA NRCS District Conservationist.  In this role, the Forest Stewardship Specialist will focus on supporting private forest land owners with the planning, implementation, and improvement of timbered lands.  This role will also include serving as a liaison and technical advisor between forest management authorities and stakeholders.  The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with communication & outreach to foster conservation on private non-industrial small forestlands in Klamath County.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Technical Assistance (65%) 
  • Provide technical assistance to private landowners to improve forest health, restore ecosystems, and reduce the potential for catastrophic wildfires.
  • Provide technical assistance on land management considerations including site preparation, controlled burning, reforestation planning, implementation verification in accordance with standards.
  • Provide technical assistance to private landowners with routine insect and disease issues, commercial harvesting, and road maintenance/improvement as needed.
  • Assist clientele with NRCS program eligibility and applications (EQIP, CSP, CRP, ACEP, WLW, and RCPP)
  • Coordinate with NRCS, ODF, and partners on conservation initiatives.
  • Utilize GPS, GIS, and other technology for inventory, field layout, inspections, certification, and managing program data.
• Administrative (25%)
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of activities.
  • Participate in meetings with contractors and operators, stakeholders, and District Conservationist in Klamath County to coordinate work and prioritize where technical assistance will be provided.
  • Participate when requested in staff meetings and collaborative efforts with agency partners. 
  • Assist in preparing reports for the District Manager, Board of Directors, District Conservationist, and funding agencies. 
  • Support grant reporting and compliance documentation. 
  • Ensure compliance with USDA Privacy Act regulations when handling private landowner information.
• Outreach, Education, and Collaboration (10%)
  • Ensure that the delivery of agency programs and services are compliant with policy and procedures including equal opportunity and accessibility. 
  • Help create educational materials and participate in workshops and on-farm demonstrations to promote best practices pertaining to forest management, habitat conservation, and fuels reduction. 
  • Help coordinate technical training and workshops.
  • Assist other staff members with project proposals as well as grant applications and reporting.

 Secondary Responsibilities:

• Occasional attendance at conferences, meetings, or training opportunities may require evening or weekend attendance and travel to support professional development. 
• Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support team adaptability.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Combination of field work (approx. 50%) and office work (approx. 50%) with seasonal variation. 
• Office schedule is generally M-F 8 am – 4:30 pm with ½ hour lunch break.  Field work may necessitate a varied schedule.
• Typical field tasks may require some physical exertion and will include outdoor working conditions in weather which may be uncomfortable (rain, cold temperatures, hot sun, etc.) and navigating challenging (steep, muddy, rocky, uneven, etc.) terrain. 
• Typical office tasks will include prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Duties may require lifting and carrying moderately heavy items. 
• Duties shall be performed in a manner which supports safety and a healthy work environment, including task-appropriate clothing and footwear. 
• Office is co-located inside a federal facility. 

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Forestry, Silviculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field OR a minimum of one year of relevant experience in forest resource conservation. 
• Demonstrated ability to utilize GIS platforms. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Oregon Forest Practices Act, ORS 477 Fire Protection of Forests & Vegetation, and other pertinent legislation. 
• Demonstrated experience in ecological site inventory. 
• Demonstrated skill in applying basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of the natural resources field. 
• Strong communication skills, including both verbal and written formats. 
• A flexible working style and the ability to work independently and with teams of specialists to meet client and project needs. 
• Experience adapting and using problem-solving skills to help manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. 
• Proficiency with MS Office suite.
• This position requires driving a vehicle; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check and possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Silviculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, OR a minimum of two years of relevant experience in forest resource conservation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USDA NRCS conservation programs and conservation planning quality criteria.
• Experience with conservation permitting requirements, including NEPA, Endangered Species Act, and local/state/federal regulations.
• Experience with mixed conifer forests and/or juniper common in the Klamath Basin.
• Experience working with conservation districts, USDA NRCS, or similar organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals of various backgrounds.
• Experience in coordinating meetings, workshops, and trainings.
• Experience in working cooperatively with local, state, and federal agency partners, multi-disciplinary teams, and multi-agency efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to develop professional skillset through application of related knowledge and skills.

Application review:  We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.  Application review will begin July 6, 2026.  We anticipate reaching out to schedule virtual first-round interviews in early July 2026 with a subsequent virtual interview for top candidates. 

Screening:  Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted; applicants must clearly show how they meet the qualifications through education, employment and/or volunteer history, etc.  Required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week). 

Conditions of Employment: 

• Employment is subject to positive reference verification, successful USDA Personnel Security Clearance, and successful motor vehicle history check.
• A trial service period of three months confirms the initial employment decision and shall commence on the first day of employment.  During this evaluation period, the employee and the District will have an opportunity to determine whether further employment with the District is appropriate. 
• Employment is subject to maintenance of a current, valid driver’s license. 

Selection & start date:  We anticipate selection & offer of employment late in July 2026.  Upon acceptance, we will initiate NRCS clearances with the start date ideally being not later than August 2026.

Pay Period:  First - last day of each month

Pay Date:  10th of each month

To Apply:  Compile documents as 1 PDF file.  Include: 

• Cover Letter
• Resume 
• 3 References

Klamath SWCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

To apply, please complete the following form, including uploading documents where indicated.